Japanese Word of the Day
残念
zan-NEN • adjective (na-adjective) — 21st of Apr, 2026
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Meaning: unfortunate; regrettable; what a pity
Examples
- 残念ながら、今日の会議は中止になりました。
(Unfortunately, today's meeting was canceled.) - 彼が来られなくて残念です。
(It's unfortunate that he can't come.) - 試験の結果は残念なものでしたが、次はもっと準備します。
(The exam results were disappointing, but I'll prepare more next time.)
Synonyms
- 惜しい
- 遺憾
残念 (zan-NEN) expresses disappointment or regret. As a na-adjective it appears as 残念だ (casual), 残念です (polite), or in the adverbial phrase 残念ながら (unfortunately). It's commonly used for everyday disappointments and to show sympathy; it usually implies mild to moderate regret rather than a strong, tragic sense.
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